For young people leaving residential care services who are unable to return home, as well as persons in recovery striving to rebuild their lives, access to a stable and supportive living environment is critical to their development and reintegration into society.

In response to this need, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved a donation of HK$240 million to SideBySide to support the redevelopment of its Shau Kei Wan hostel into Jockey Club Key House and implementation of the three‑year Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project. Jockey Club Key House held its opening ceremony today (30 May), marking the official commencement of services at the facility.

The initiative combines accommodation with vocational development and social support, offering one‑stop accommodation and holistic support services to youth in need. It empowers them to develop independent living skills, pursue career and life planning, redefine their life goals and reconnect with the community. Key House is also Hong Kong’s first co‑living project to bring together out-of-home youths and persons in recovery under one roof. Through daily co‑living, residents with different backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to learn from and support one another.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government; Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Justice Poon Siu‑tung, Chairman of SideBySide; and other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Jackson Woo said that Jockey Club Key House represents an important innovation in youth and rehabilitation support services in Hong Kong. Beyond promoting social inclusion, the project also serves as a demonstration model for the sector. Looking ahead, he added that the Club will continue to advance its “Fairer Opportunities” impact programme through cross‑sector collaboration, expanding support networks to enable under‑resourced communities to realise their potential and improve their quality of life.

The 22-storey Jockey Club Key House is Asia’s first co‑living service building operated under the internationally recognised “Youth Foyer” model, which combines affordable accommodation with structured education and career development support. The project integrates youth hostel services with mental health recovery principles. Approximately two‑thirds of residents will be young people leaving residential care and one‑third persons in recovery. Through the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, residents are supported in developing life skills, planning their future pathways, and enhancing their physical and mental well‑being.

The Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project also encourages residents to give back to the community. Residents who demonstrate positive engagement and sustained progress may be eligible for personal development scholarships to support their continued growth and future aspirations. Even after residents move on, support will extend through structured transition arrangements, follow‑up services, as well as ongoing peer and alumni networks. For details on the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, please visit: https://web-smart.sidebyside.org.hk/en/jcccp.

The Club’s support for Jockey Club Key House and the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.